Free activities and travel secrets in Rotorua

Plenty things to see and do in RotoruaPor Destination Rotorua Marketing

Rotorua is a wonderful destination with so much to see and do, and the best thing is it does not need to expensive visit as there are plenty of free activities to do. We have put together a few of our favourite locals tips.

1. Kuirua Park – Adjacent to Econo Lodge Cleveland Motel you will find Kuirua Park. Here you can see an abundance of geothermal activity including boiling lakes and mud pools. On Saturday morning enjoy the local market here with plenty of food stalls and local produce. Enjoy the walkways and afterwards relax your feet in a geothermal foot-bath. For the children there is also a nice playground.

2. Hamurana Springs – the deepest natural fresh water spring on the North Island of New Zealand. Enjoy the stunning blue and green waters and an abundance of wildlife. The spring is 280m above sea level and is approximately 15 metres deep. It produces an estimated 4 million litres of crystal clear water per hour at a fairly constant temperature of 10 degrees Celsius. Water so pure you can drink it.

3. Redwoods – Over 5600 hectares of forest awaits you to enjoy and explore at your leisure. If you love the outdoors and want to experience nature at its best this area is definitely for you! Also a great place to take photos of our beautiful red tall giants.

4. Blue & Green Lakes – The Blue lake is a favourite local hang our great for boating, and swimming as well as walking. Right next to the Blue lake is the Green lake, you can find a look out point where you can see both lakes and their amazing difference in colours.

5. Mud Pool – Head out towards Wai O Tapu and discover one of the best opportunities to experience the unique character and sounds of erupting mud in New Zealand where the activity is always guaranteed.

6. Cycling – Rotorua is a great destination for cycling. From family trails to mountain biking through the woods, as well a the national Te Ari Ahi cycleway, you are spoiled for choice.

7. Natural Hot Springs at Kerosene Creek – It’s a bit of a mission to get there but it’s well worth the 30min drive.Kerosene Creek is a hot water stream located in a bush setting south of Rotorua city. After parking up on the side of the gravel road, a short walk through the bush alongside the hot water stream takes you to a wonderful little waterfall cascading into a naturally formed pool. Just be sure not to leave any valuables in your car here.

8. Okere Falls – A beautiful walkway next to the water ways and waterfalls. On the sunny days you generally see lots of brave-hearts attempting the 7m waterfall in rafts and kayaks. Okere falls is also a popular trout fishing spot.

9. Ohinemutu – Just minutes walk from Econo Lodge Cleveland Motel is the Māori village of Ohinemutu. This place is home to the Ngāti Whakaue tribe, who gifted the land on which the city of Rotorua was built. The location was chosen for its lakeside setting and abundant geothermal energy, used for cooking, bathing and heating. Visitors are welcome to walk around the living village.

10. Government Gardens – Home to the renowned hot steaming Rachael Springs, Rotorua Museum, Polynesian Spa, The Blue Baths and more, this is a lovely photogenic English style government garden.